Richardson, TX Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Property Code
- TX Property Code 202.010 (SB 398) preempts HOA solar bans
- Location
- Location cannot be forced to reduce output over 10%
- Hoas
- HOAs may require color-matched frames and flush mounting
- Ground-Mount Front-Yard
- Ground-mount front-yard restrictions allowed
- Fees
- Homeowners may recover attorney's fees if wrongly denied
Summary
Texas Property Code Section 202.010 (SB 398) bars Richardson HOAs from prohibiting solar panels, limiting them to reasonable aesthetic conditions.
Sec. 202.010. REGULATION OF SOLAR ENERGY DEVICES. (a) In this section:(1) "Development period" means a period stated in a declaration during which a declarant reserves:(A) a right to facilitate the development, construction, and marketing of the subdivision; and(B) a right to direct the size, shape, and composition of the subdivision.(1-a) "Residential unit" means a structure or part of a structure intended for use as a single residence and that is:(A) a single-family house; or(B) a separate living unit in a duplex, a triplex, or a quadplex.(2) "Solar energy device" has the meaning assigned by Section 171.107, Tax Code. The term includes a solar roof tile.(b) Except as otherwise provided by Subsection (d), a property owners' ass
Full Breakdown
Texas Property Code Section 202.010, enacted by SB 398 in 2011, prohibits property owners associations in Richardson from unreasonably restricting the installation of solar energy devices on owner-maintained property. HOAs may not adopt or enforce any covenant that prohibits solar panels outright, nor may they require panels to be installed in a location where output would be reduced by more than 10% from the homeowner's preferred location. Allowed HOA conditions include requiring prior architectural review approval, specifying that panels lie flush with the roof line on sloped roofs, requiring frames and visible piping to be a color matching the roof, and prohibiting ground-mount systems in front yards. HOAs may not deny panels solely for appearance, and homeowners denied approval may seek injunctive relief and attorney's fees in state court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Richardson HOA deny my solar panel application?
Does SB 398 apply to townhome roofs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richardson
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Richardson to another location·View the Texas solar energy overview
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HOA Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle hoa restrictions.